Manufacturing & Production

Brewing beer for commercial sale in Germany requires a beer tax license (Biersteuer-Erlaubnis) from the local main customs office (Hauptzollamt). Beer production is subject to beer excise tax under the Beer Tax Act (BierStG). Even hobby brewers producing for personal use must notify the customs office, though the first 50 hectolitres per year are tax-free for non-commercial home brewing.Commercial breweries must register as tax warehouse operators (Steuerlagerinhaber) and apply for a beer tax number. The standard tax rate is 0.787 euros per hectolitre per degree Plato. Smaller independent breweries producing under 200,000 hectolitres per year qualify for reduced rates. You must keep production records and file monthly tax returns with the Hauptzollamt. The brewery premises may be inspected by customs officials.

Issued by: Main Customs Office

Operating a distillery in Germany requires an alcohol tax permit (Alkoholsteuererlaubnis) from the local main customs office (Hauptzollamt). Since 2018, this is governed by the Alcohol Tax Act (AlkStG), which replaced the old brandy monopoly system. Anyone producing spirits, whether from fruit, grain, or other materials, must register as a tax warehouse operator before starting production.You apply at your local Hauptzollamt using the official forms. The application must be submitted before construction of the distillery begins. The standard tax rate is 1,303 euros per hectolitre of pure alcohol. Reduced rates apply to small distilleries (Abfindungsbrennereien and Verschlusskleinbrennereien) producing limited quantities. The customs office may inspect your premises and production records. Monthly tax returns are mandatory.

Issued by: Main Customs Office

Selling certain hazardous chemical substances and mixtures to private consumers in Germany requires a permit under the Chemicals Act (Chemikaliengesetz, ChemG) and the Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance (ChemVerbotsV). This applies to substances classified with specific hazard pictograms, such as toxic, corrosive, or carcinogenic products. Sales to commercial customers require only a notification, not a full permit.You apply at the competent state authority (usually the trade supervisory office or district government). The applicant or a designated responsible person must demonstrate professional competence (Sachkunde), typically through relevant training in chemistry, pharmacy, or a comparable field. The permit covers specific product categories and may include conditions on storage, documentation, and customer identification. Pharmacies are exempt from this permit requirement.

Issued by: Gewerbeaufsichtsamt / Bezirksregierung

Businesses that store or handle large quantities of flammable liquids, gases, or other combustible materials in Germany may need a permit under the Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV) or the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG). Storage facilities for flammable liquids exceeding 10,000 litres and filling stations with throughput above 1,000 litres per hour require a specific operating permit.You apply at the competent authority, which is typically the district government or the trade supervisory office depending on the type and quantity of materials. The application must include technical documentation of the storage facility, fire protection measures, explosion protection document, and an operating manual. The authority may require an expert assessment before granting the permit. Facilities are subject to regular inspections and must comply with technical rules for hazardous substances (TRGS) and flammable liquids.

Issued by: Trade Supervisory Office / Supervisory Authority

Any use, storage, or handling of radioactive substances in Germany requires a permit under the Radiation Protection Act (Strahlenschutzgesetz, StrlSchG) and the Radiation Protection Ordinance (StrlSchV). This applies to medical facilities using radioactive sources (e.g. nuclear medicine, brachytherapy), industrial applications (radiography, gauges), and research laboratories. Activities below defined exemption limits (Freigrenzen) may be carried out without a permit.You apply at the state radiation protection authority, which varies by Bundesland. The application must include a radiation protection plan, details of the qualified radiation protection officer (Strahlenschutzbeauftragter), information about the substances and activities, descriptions of the premises and shielding measures, and proof of liability coverage. The authority inspects the premises before issuing the permit and conducts ongoing monitoring. Permits may include conditions on dose limits, waste disposal, and record-keeping.

Issued by: State Radiation Protection Authority

Businesses that commercially handle explosive substances (manufacturing, processing, using, transporting, storing, or selling) need a license under the Explosives Act (Sprengstoffgesetz). This applies to demolition companies, quarrying operations, pyrotechnics manufacturers, and firms working with blasting agents.You apply at the competent authority, which is typically the district government or trade supervisory office. Key requirements include proof of specialist knowledge (Fachkunde) through a state-recognized training course with examination, personal reliability verified through a criminal record check, physical fitness, and a demonstrated need for handling explosives. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, though exceptions are possible from age 18. The license is typically granted for five years and specifies which types of explosives and activities are covered.

Issued by: Trade Supervisory Authority / Mining Authority